LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Two Arkansas students have been selected to join Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton in representing the Natural State during the 62nd United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) Washington Week to be held on March 2 - 9, 2024.
Both Joshua Ofodile of Fayetteville and Bannon Price of Ashdown were chosen from the state's top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegations. Each student chosen will also receive a $10,000 scholarship to be used for their undergraduate studies.
The USSYP was first created with the goal of increasing the understanding of the interrelationships between the three branches of government to young Americans, as well as teaching them the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials.
It also aims to emphasize the importance of democratic decision-making for people in the United States and across the globe.
This extremely merit-based program gives an opportunity each year to two of the most academically outstanding students in each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. It allows them to join in on a very intensive week-long study of the US government and the people who lead it.
Both teens will attend meetings and briefings in Washington, D.C. alongside President Joe Biden, senators, a Supreme Court justice, leaders of cabinet agencies, and many others.
The 2024 Arkansas delegates and alternates were chosen by Arkansas Education Secretary Jacob Oliva.
Both Claire Elizabeth Hudnell of Hot Springs and Nora Sirila Shitandi of Springdale were chosen as this year's alternates.
For more information on the program, please click here.